Web Only / Features » October 1, 2013

First They Came for the Federal Workers…

As we have seen from the sequester, which prompted budget cuts to Head Start, Meals on Wheels and other programs that help a wide range of vulnerable Americans, the Republicans are prepared to injure a large number of people to get what they want.

My partner, a federal worker, is locked out of his job because the Tea Party Caucus wants more spending cuts. By stranding 800,000 federal employees without pay, the billionaire-backed fraction of Congress’s extreme right wing is sending a clear message: they are not accountable to any working Americans, and they are coming for all of our jobs.

Rather than assuming that federal workers and their families will recover quickly from the lockout, other working families would do well to sit up and pay attention to what is happening to us during this shutdown. Cutting off wages to federal employees and their families, shuttering national parks and halting routine workplace safety and mine safety inspections—all these comprise merely an opening gambit. Because the Republicans' likely next move is to refuse to raise the nation’s debt limit, the struggle to make do with less will impact everyone in much more permanent ways if we don't take action now to resist the lockout of federal workers.

As we have seen from the sequester, which prompted budget cuts to Head Start, Meals on Wheels and other programs that help a wide range of vulnerable Americans, the Republicans are prepared to injure a large number of people to get what they want. And what they want is what the corporations and individuals who funded their campaigns want: austerity spending cuts, tax cuts for the rich, perks for fossil fuel industries, cuts to women’s health care and food stamps, and the like. (ThinkProgress helpfully rounds up the full list here.)

An example of one family they don’t mind hurting is my own. My husband works full-time at a federal agency; I work part-time as a freelancer and parent our two kids. We own our home and have health insurance, but we live paycheck to paycheck and we come up short in paying bills more often than not. Without his paycheck, we will likely have to apply for a modification on our mortgage loan, or cut back on paying for the child care that allows me to do my work.

It might strike some as odd to be defending government workers. The public perception that government employees are overpaid and lazy has roots in the Reagan “welfare queen” narrative, and Republicans are trading on that perception in order to attack these workers with impunity. As Philip Bump noted in the Atlantic back in March, “In conservative circles, that concept—that some decent percentage of government payment recipients are lazy freeloaders—has been extended to government employees.” In other words, Republicans are counting on those who may subsist on less than we do, or who have experienced household calamities as a result of the recession, to be fine with seeing us suffer through a lockout and miss a mortgage payment or maybe have to take our toddler out of daycare. Our family has been through tough times in the past, and know that it is difficult not to resent those who appear to have more stability or cash. But viewing one another as “other,” or as an acceptable target for austerity measures (measures that are rooted in a “less government” ideology instead of economic necessity) is just what the Republicans want from all of us. It distracts us from the damage they are preparing to cause.

As the families of the 800,000 locked-out federal workers, we are the canaries in the coal mine of right-wing austerity. Even if the Republicans retreat, they are setting the place up to explode; the fate of federal workers will serve as an example of what’s to come. The looming fight over the debt limit, which the government has until October 17 to raise, will spread the hurt of the government shutdown to a much wider swathe of the population. Hitting the debt ceiling would impose a 32 percent federal spending cut. It would also mean defaulting on some national debts, since the Treasury would no longer be able to borrow in order to meet its obligations—such as paying out Social Security checks to seniors and people with disabilities. A recent article in the Atlantic explains that this level of cutting would damage all of us in ways that are not precisely predictable but are nonetheless predictably bad. Without exaggerating the risk, one can imagine: federal jobs disappearing into thin air, taking with them the consumer spending that keeps businesses operating in communities; a massive wave of defaults on household debt triggered by job losses and a spike in short-term interest rates; and many more families (especially children) made homeless and food-insecure.

It is an outrage that House Republicans are willing to use the well-being of all working families as a bargaining chip to get what they want. However, it’s not particularly surprising, given that Tea Party Republicans have had their campaigns funded largely by billionaires like real estate magnate Howie Rich and global industry tycoon brothers Charles and David Koch, and they see themselves as representing the billionaires’ interests in Washington.

Moreover, based on past practices, it’s likely that their corporate funders have promised them lobbyist jobs with incomes in the mid-six figures when they leave office, in exchange for cutting government spending and fulfilling an industry-friendly wish list. Thus, the House Republicans who are making demands in exchange for not detonating the US economy may see themselves as accountable to their former campaign funders and future bosses, not to their constituents. This would explain why they are willing to take such draconian measures to ensure their agenda moves forward.

Fortunately, there is something we can do. People are already taking action to resist the Republican hostage-takers, and everyone can participate. Opportunities include: sharing the AFL-CIO’s online message exhorting Republicans to “Get a Grip;” attending local demonstrations in support of government workers; calling and writing to members of Congress and the President; and participating in anti-austerity actions that may soon take place locally around the country. One AFL-CIO staffer assured me this morning that they are compiling a database of planned actions around the country, so you can stay tuned to their website for details. American workers must not succumb to the belief that they are immune from government funding cuts just because they are not federally employed. This is all one fight, and we are all going to need each other.

UPDATE: The AFL-CIO has put together this clickable map of rallies, marches and demonstrations planned all around the country for issues from ending the government shutdown to immigration reform (this Saturday, October 5, will be a big day to show support for that) to raising the minimum wage. Groups of people demanding rational action from Congress on any of these issues could help tip the balance back toward a functioning government. If you know of an action or rally being planned in your area that isn't on this map, click on the “Add a Local Action” button at the far right and follow the instructions.

The Republicans have become the neoconfederacy insurrectionist victim party and the Democrats have become the corporate welfare prostitution party.

Wise up, folks. You are all losing with the duopoly system.

But at least the Dems aren't homophobic racists with guns instead of natural erections.

Posted by SoberMoney on 2013-10-08 01:31:23

Would you want Pete dating your daughter?

Posted by SoberMoney on 2013-10-08 01:23:57

REPUBLICAN FEAR=SHUTDOWNThe Republicans know Affordable Health Care is going to be successTherefore, they want it delayed until after the mid-term election.They are mainly responsible for out financial disaster of Debt.Clinton left Bush a Surplus and CBO said had Bush followed Clinton policieswe would have had a $10,000 Billion surplus in 2010. We would have paid off the$5800B Debt. Clinton left Bush an $1800B budget which could have been less than $2500Bnot the Bush $3500B. Two dumb unneeded wars and huge tax cuts for the richest of the rich.The Tea Party Republicans must kicked out of our government before they do more damageto enrich their backer, David Koch.

Posted by clarenceswinney on 2013-10-07 12:35:10

danah;

My, isn't that precious! Sorry to have "bored" you. However, I can't blame you for wanting to bail-out. I've noticed that a lot of people tend to get "bored" with a discussion, and then choose to leave it, when they discover that they can't back-up their big, fat mouths.

Regardless.....next time you're up in Ithaca, you be sure to give David and Justin a big fat personal "hello" for me, will ya'? And here's hoping you won't feel the need to waste any more "screen real estate". [smile]

Posted by Ken_Meyer on 2013-10-05 15:11:45

Sure, it didn't go over your head at all, cupcake.

Bless your heart.

LOL

PS: You've now succeeded in boring me. Consider yourself ignored. Don't feel too bad, it's not like it would be the first time. You'll have to engage in your desperate attention seeking behavior elsewhere. I've wasted enough screen real estate on you.

Posted by danah gaz on 2013-10-05 14:47:42

danah;

I'm sorry if you thought I was implying that you are stupid. I didn't mean to "imply" it all; I meant to say it straight out.

Let me put it this way; anyone who REFUSES to inform themselves when the opportunity arises in order to MAINTAIN THEIR IGNORANCE is STUPID.

Now, do you feel better? If so, when you're done "laughing and pointing", could you link me up with those Christmas lists you said I was now on? I'm asking, because I actually think you might have been STUPID enough to LIE about that situation. So how's about it? Ready to back up that big, ignorance-loving mouth of yours? [smile]

P.S. - "Yes", college IS "awesome". It's even MORE awesome when one makes their way through and grows up a little bit in the process. 'Course, I kinda' doubt that you'd know much about that, not wanting to be "bothered" and all.

Posted by Ken_Meyer on 2013-10-05 14:27:40

"After all, you've made it very clear that you can't be bothered in the way of informing yourself about such things deflections. " - Fixed that for you. My original post wasn't about the ills of gerrymandering, though it's funny that you think so. It was about gerrymandering being the sole reason your political party holds any sort of majority at the federal level, which as I said, is not exactly a good omen for the GOP at large.

"Meanwhile, you've made it equally clear that you're not at all above just making things up." [citation needed]

"Anyway, since I don't know either individual" - LOL, see, there's a reason I chose to make that comment. I knew it would go over your head, as it clearly has, thus proving the point I was making with it in the first place. Pro-tip: College is awesome.

How would you know? After all, you've made it very clear that you can't be bothered in the way of informing yourself about such things. Meanwhile, you've made it equally clear that you're not at all above just making things up.

Anyway, since I don't know either individual, and since you need an opportunity to demonstrate that you're not simply lying again, why don't you have them get in touch with me in order to show me on their "Christmas lists". After all, it's not like a blow-hard like you would just fabricate something like this "Christmas list" dealie up now, is it? [smile]

Gosh you're a bright one!

Posted by Ken_Meyer on 2013-10-05 14:07:35

David Dunning and Justin Kruger added you to their Christmas list.

Posted by danah gaz on 2013-10-05 13:47:53

danah;

Why thank you! And best of luck in your endeavours toward maintaining your ignorance in return! If, as they say, "ignorance is bliss", you must be a very happy individual.

Have fun!

Posted by Ken_Meyer on 2013-10-05 13:44:42

Again, best of luck with that, princess.

Posted by danah gaz on 2013-10-05 13:25:58

danah;

My, what a "special" slant on things you have. I.e. - dutifully maintaining your ignorance on a topic in order to justify your stance on it.

Face it, "danah", you don't know much about anything you've blabbing about because you (quite literally) refuse to inform yourself. What's the matter? Think if you actually have some KNOWLEDGE on a subject it might inhibit your bigotry and make a mockery of your prejudices?

Anyway, in response to your question of "Do you know why I haven't even bothered to look?".....well, "yeah"; I think I know. The reason is pretty obvious, isn't it? [smile]

No. Do you know why I haven't even bothered to look? Because as much as it serves as a convenient deflection from the point, it doesn't actually change the fact that house republicans have ONLY maintained control of the house through gerrymandering. They lost the popular vote in 2012. That's hardly a way to run a railroad. The GOP message is toxic, and if last years vote tallies are any indication, the American people aren't too happy with the direction of your party, regardless of how loud you people yell to the contrary. But you know what? I don't care if you don't believe me. In fact, I prefer that you don't, because as long as you deny this and whistle pass the graveyard, the chance of your party ever doing the hard work it will take to make them viable in national elections isn't going to happen. That's really no loss, as far as I am concerned. I'm rather content to sit back and watch you lose.

As far as the rest of your post, it's a giant hand waving non-sequitur as well.

Posted by danah gaz on 2013-10-05 12:26:46

danah;

You seen the list of "The 10 worst gerrymandered districts" floating around? Seems the Dems have been pretty effective at it themselves. Or do you REALLY believe that individuals such as Alan Grayson or Corrine Brown could be elected if districts had NOT been gerrymandered? How about Luis Gutiérrez, representing the Illinois 4th, which several periodicals - including "The Economist" have named as "the most gerrymandered congressional district in the country".

In short, don't get too full of yourself. In geographic terms, the Dems are highly "ghetto-ized", and are concentrated primarily in small urban areas of the country, while in far vaster portions of the nation, people are ashamed of even being thought of as having Democratic Party leanings.

Put another way, mass ignorance "can only be so effective" as well. Look at what people like you have done to Detroit, to Gary, and to many other areas iof the country n which "gimme, gimme"-style politics have decimated the economy. Soak the other guy" parasitism of the type you represent "can only be so effective" if for no other reason than that it's self-defeating; there comes a time when those who actually make a CONTRIBUTION to society say "enough is enough" and quit subsidizing those who aren't willing to support themselves. We're seeing some of that already....and I don't think any amount of smugness, ignoring of history and reality, or political gerrymandering is going to stop it's ultimate course.

Posted by Ken_Meyer on 2013-10-05 11:36:58

Careful, or you might run out of capslock.

Posted by danah gaz on 2013-10-05 11:10:57

Again @pete, if your post is sarcasm, well played.

Ken just went ahead and took the bait.

Posted by danah gaz on 2013-10-05 11:10:02

Really, is that what you're reduced to now? Your platform so unappealing you have to resort to this nonsense?

You do of course realize that the GOP lost the popular vote for both houses of Congress as well as the Oval Office in 2012, dear. Gerrymandering can only be so effective, if in the meantime, your party is doing everything they can to turn those "safe districts" into viable contests.

I wish you the best of luck with that.

ETA: Is your post sarcasm? It's so hard to tell these days. I've heard people say worse, in earnest. If it is, well played. My snark meter may need some calibration.

Posted by danah gaz on 2013-10-05 11:07:01

pete;

While I realize that you're being sarcastic (or are at least TRYING to be sarcastic), there's actually a great deal of truth in what you had to say. While they may not be a "superior class of people" generally, my guess is that the GOP adherents ARE "superior"relative to the other side, at least when it comes to NOT being dependent upon the rest of society to support them. And "yes", they probably WOULD "defund all government handouts"....simply because "government handouts" - AS "handouts"! - SHOULD be "defunded". Personally, I just don't see much of a future for an economy that's based on "government handouts". Perhaps others do.

Anyway, does that "equal a quantitative leap in social standing"? My guess is that it probably would; after all, just how much legitimate "social standing" do parasites and "gimme, gimme" artists have - or deserve - in this world? From that perspective, almost anything would be an improvement.

Posted by Ken_Meyer on 2013-10-05 10:25:53

If you Demotards know what's good for you, you will do EXACTLY what the GOP wills you to! . . . We are a superior class of people and have oodles MORE MONEY than you, which, in polite society, equals a quantitative leap in social standing! Sobuck up and vote the way the GOP tells you to OR, once elected to the majority inboth houses of Congress in 2014, we will repeal and defund absolutely ALLGOVERNMENT HANDOUTS to the American underclasses! . . . .

Posted by pete on 2013-10-05 09:24:06

REALLY . . ?? a shut-down ?? NO, NO, NO JUST MORE LIESMR. KERRY SAID WASHINGTON WILL MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS AROUND THE WORLD - W.I.C. Isn't a world problem . . and rest assured FOREIGN AID WILL NOT BE REDUCED BY ONE CENTDID YOU REALLY VOTE FOR THESE PEOPLE ????>> WOMEN - - INFANTS.- - - AND CHILDREN ??? YOU VOTED FOR THIS GARBAGE....THIS IS IN CAPITALS BECAUSE I'M MADGIVING FOREIGN AID TO COUNTRIES WHILE OUR PEOPLE GO HUNGRYPLEASE VOTE THIRD PARTY - GET RID OF THESE T R A I T O R S

Posted by bbednarz2007@verizon.net on 2013-10-05 08:44:51

FedVote, an organization that works with Congress on the conditions of employment in the federal civil service, is encouraging employees who have been furloughed to send copies of their unpaid bills to members of Congress, as evidence of the hardship with has been imposed upon them, in the hope that a vote will be taken to restore the government to operation.

Legislation is pending to compensate employees for pay lost, however no date has been established as to when that will take place.

This agenda actually started with the Reagan administration, and has been working its way up, de-funding government one piece at a time (starting with our desperately-needed welfare aid), redistributing those taxpayer dollars upward. There is no other way to maintain our extraordinary military spending while protecting the rich from "the burdens of taxation."

Posted by DHFabian on 2013-10-05 08:03:33

i think this sucks

Posted by steve on 2013-10-04 13:57:58

yes

Posted by steve on 2013-10-04 13:57:45

The problem isn't just with the Republicans. Yes, what the Republicans are doing with the government is offensive and should be opposed, but the reality is that both parties represent the interests of the corporate ruling class. The irony here is that Obamacare, which lies at the crux of this whole issue that the Republicans are on about, is itself the brainchild of a right wing think tank, an idea that Democrats embraced while it results in massive windfall profits for the private insurance industry (after the Democrats raked in huge donations from the health care industry in 2007-2008) and leaves 30 million people without insurance. The point being that both parties, in their respective ways, are the enemies of working people and allies of the corporate ruling class. So instead of focusing on just the Republicans as the enemy, it is important to realize that both parties are the class enemy of working people.

There are people out there who are challenging both parties of the corporate duopoly. Kshama Sawant's socialist campaign in Seattle against a corporate-financed Democrat in a city council race, for example, is very exciting. I would like to see more people like the author of this article, who decry the Republicans as being class enemies, also lining up to support candidates like Sawant who are standing up to both parties of the ruling class.

Posted by mikesoul on 2013-10-04 12:08:02

I think president obama should go without his pay. And congress need to pay there back taxes and should pay there debts and coutry country would be back up where it belongs. Goverment make us pay for there mistakes cause they have no ideal what they are doing.in all standard if they would go with pay than they would get off there butts find a siluation them go without pay til the do. It is not our mistake that put this country in the debts it is in. The goverment would like nothing more than to put 650,000 more people homeless on the streets. We have a bad homeless problem going on in every state in our untied states. People the gover.ent made homeless the last time we had a shutdown. To fix the problem we should picket the white house that our president give up his pay check and all of congress pays there back taxes they haven't paid in the last 20 years and our country would be better. That's our answer. We go without you all should to fair play.congress we put you in office we can take you all out if office. We are done with you....

Posted by terri sauson on 2013-10-03 12:26:57

Thank you for this article. I also wonder could the Koch brother's funded Tea Party politicians be distracting us with a government shutdown to draw attention away from reporting the beginning of Obamacare and the release of the IPCC environment report? Hmmmmmm

Posted by Silverado on 2013-10-03 06:35:09

Right on Sister!

Posted by Debbie Schlies on 2013-10-02 07:36:12

Thank you for providing another analysis of this shutdown that we need to hear. I too have family members who are federal workers and true public servants. They work in government committed to their jobs and to make it work better for all people. I hope this ends soon and Americans remember this when they vote in the next election.